More controversy is surrounding the Indian Prime Minister Nerendra Modi’s visit to Uganda next week, this time with multiple protests over Kololo Independence Grounds being the venue to host the dignitary’s engagement with the Indian community in Uganda.
Matooke Republic is in receipt of several letters to that effect.
In one letter drawn by Kamulegeya Kamahoro advocates, on behalf of vested petitioners, the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, through Ministry of Foreign Affairs is beseeched to change venue.
“It is a known fact that Indian Prime Minister intends to visit Uganda in the near future and the proposed hosting venue … will be at Kololo Airstrip. However, it is our major complaint that the place is too open and lacks quality facilities to host the coming dignitary,” a letter signed by counsel Rogers Kamulegeya on behalf of petioners read.
Following the in fighting by several Indian associations over organising the visit, the lawyers said the process of selection of the said venue “was tainted and/or marred with great irregularities and connivance.”
They petitioners asked the Indian High Commissioner to prevail over the manner of selecting a venue, “and come up with an alternative venue that matches with the status of the said dignitary.”
In another petition drawn by Kisaalu Advocates, to the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, several reasons are enumerated by petitioners top concern being security of the visiting premier as it is an open venue.
“The venue and manner in which the selection of Kololo Airstrip was chosen/procured is wanting as the concerned Indian community in Uganda was not consulted.”
“The cost of the venue and monies involved in the organisation of the event are so outrageous yet there are better places with good security that out to have been selected for the function,” the petitioners state through their lawyers.
“The venue is wanting in terms of toilets kitchen materials and great inconvenience from the neighbourhood, all that is likely to affect the health of our beloved Prime Minister.”
The petitioners go on to say that the organisation of the event has not exhibited transparency and is meant to benefit a few individuals at the expense of the common good of the entire Indian community in Uganda.
They also note that since the event time falls between 3pm and 7pm it will be an inconvenience to road users as it is school pick-up time.
“Uganda has many alternative and better venues for events of the intended nature that would in fact merge the hosts and guests overall interests of decent hospitality and marketing Uganda’s tourism potential.”
The petitioners want the Indian High Commissioner to cancel any plans of hosting the Indian Prime Minister at Kololo.
Kololo residents also protest
Meanwhile, residents of Kololo have also written to the Indian High Commissioner through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, protesting Modi’s function being held at Kololo Independence Grounds.
“We welcome the visit as it would foster relations between the two countries. Our concern though is the choice of venue and time slated for Tuesday between 3pm and 7pm,” the residents wrote in a letter signed by the Coral Crescent LC 1 Chairman.
“As residents of Kololo, we are stressed by the inconvenience the event will cause on a working day during the busiest hours.”
“We urge you to reschedule the venue for hosting this auspicious occasion from Kololo to a place tailored and licensed for such a high-profile event. An appropriate venue will not only contribute to the success of your event but also reflect well on Uganda in the view of expected multinational media,” the residents petitioned the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda.